Frequently asked questions
What is Cessna known for: which lines and for what tasks?
Cessna (Textron Aviation) created the Citation, the best-selling business-jet family in the world: more than 8,000 built. The line is built as a ladder: the very light M2 Gen 2, light CJ3/CJ4 Gen 2, midsize XLS Gen 2, Ascend and Latitude, and super-midsize Longitude. The brand's philosophy is predictable economics, easy handling and the most developed service network in the industry. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How reliable are Citations and what about service?
The Citation holds the record for fleet size, so support is easier than for any rival: Textron alone has over 40 authorised centres, and common parts are stocked in Europe and the Middle East. The Williams FJ44 and P&W 500-series engines run 3,500–5,000 hours between overhauls. CJ-series fleet dispatch reliability is steadily above 99.5%. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How well do Citations hold value on the pre-owned market?
Light CJs are among the most liquid jets: a ten-year-old CJ3+ sells for $6.5–8M against a new CJ3 Gen 2 at about $11.5M — losing well under half its value. Average exposure is 60–90 days. The quickest to sell have engines on the TAP programme and current Garmin G3000 avionics; jets with 'bare' engines are discounted $1–1.5M. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How does the Citation differ from the Embraer Phenom?
An eternal light-class rivalry: Citation CJ4 Gen 2 versus Phenom 300E. The Phenom is faster (M0.80 versus M0.77) and more fashionable inside; the CJ4 carries more fuel and works more confidently off short strips. The Citation fleet is far larger — a plus for liquidity and parts availability. Ownership costs are comparable: ~$2.5–3M a year at 400 hours. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What routes and tasks suit very light jets?
The VLJ is built for short business flights for 1–3 people: London–Paris, Geneva–Nice, Milan–Rome. The optimal leg is 800–2,000 km, i.e. 1.5–2.5 hours' flight. The aircraft are single-pilot certified and use short strips from 1,000 m, so they fly into small airports closer to the destination — Courchevel or St. Moritz instead of a major hub. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What range and how many passengers do very light jets have?
The class standard is 4–6 passenger seats and 2,000–2,900 km of range: the Phenom 100EX 2,180 km, the Cirrus Vision Jet about 2,300 km, the Citation M2 Gen 2 2,880 km, the HondaJet Elite II 2,865 km. Cruise speed is 630–780 km/h. With a full cabin, real range drops to about 1,500–2,000 km. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How does a very light jet differ from neighbouring classes?
A light jet (Phenom 300E, CJ4) carries 7–10 passengers over 3,700–4,000 km; a VLJ carries 4–6 over 2,000–2,900 km. Light jets have a roomier cabin with a full lavatory and a bigger hold, and higher speed. But a VLJ is 30–40% cheaper to charter and buy. The rule is simple: up to four passengers and 2,000 km — a VLJ is enough; more — you need a light jet. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
Which very light jets are in the fleet and how do they differ?
Four models: the Cessna Citation M2 Gen 2 — a classic with the longest range in the set (2,880 km); the HondaJet Elite II — the fastest (782 km/h) with a separate lavatory and a 1.87 m³ hold; the Embraer Phenom 100EX with a BMW Designworks cabin; and the Cirrus Vision Jet G2 — the only one with a CAPS airframe parachute and Safe Return auto-landing. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How do you choose an aircraft to buy for your needs?
Start from two numbers: the length of your typical route and the number of passengers. Up to 1,000 km and 4 people — a turboprop or light jet; 2,000–4,000 km — a midsize jet; nonstop intercontinental — a long-range jet. Then adjust for short runways, baggage volume and sleeping berths. We'll match a model to your profile and calculate the ownership economics. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
New aircraft or pre-owned — which is the better buy?
A new aircraft means a factory warranty and a 1–3-year queue, but the price is at its peak. A pre-owned aircraft means immediate delivery and a price 30–60% lower, while engine time and history matter. For most buyers a fresh 3–7-year-old aircraft is optimal: the main depreciation has happened and plenty of life remains. We cost both options. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.





